2018 Toyota Prius Prime Vs. 2018 Chevy Volt: Which One Is Right for Me?

Posted at Fri, Feb 23, 2018 9:30 AM

Any savvy shopper who’s looking to purchase a new hybrid is probably aware that right now there are two plug-in hybrids vying for the title of "best in class." Both the 2018 Toyota Prius Prime and the 2018 Chevy Volt are at the top of their game, providing drivers with impressive efficiency and range at a price that won’t break the bank. It’s a tough call between the two, and when making your final decision it should all come down to the facts.

Obviously, we here at Westbury Toyota are a little biased when it comes to this scenario, but we still think it’s important that you choose the hybrid that will suit your needs best. With that in mind, we’ve put together a list of comparisons you can look over in order to hopefully simplify your decision-making process – and help prove once and for all that when it comes to "going green" and being eco-friendly during your time spent driving around Long Island, the 2018 Toyota Prius Prime is without peer.

Charging Time

While plugging in to charge is a necessary part of owning a hybrid, some cars require less charging time than others. The editorial staff of Autotrader has laid out the charging time comparisons for both the newest Volt and Prius Prime: While using an outlet similar to a household one, the Volt requires about 13 hours to reach maximum charge whereas the Prius Prime, using the same kind of outlet, only requires about five to six hours. When using a 240-volt (V) outlet (the kind your dryer uses), the Volt can reach full charge in between four to five hours and the Prius Prime in only two.

If downtime isn’t much of an issue to you, the amount of time required to charge your hybrid isn’t going to be a deal breaker. On the other hand, if you’d like your car to have as little downtime as possible, the Prius Prime has the clear advantage in this area.

It’s difficult to pick a clear winner when it comes to electric only, but when it comes to overall fuel economy, the Prius Prime can get an impressive 54 miles per gallon (mpg) combined, while the Volt checks in with only 42 mpg combined. If you’re the kind of driver that prefers the highest amount of efficiency from your vehicle, the Toyota Prius Prime is going to get you what you need.

Basic Affordability

For most people, when buying a car, it ultimately comes down to affordability. Both the Chevy Volt and the Prius Prime are reasonably priced for hybrid cars. However, there are pricing considerations that you should take into account when trying to make your choice. As John Voelcker of Green Car Reports explains, there’s a noticeable difference in suggested manufacturer's price between these two hybrids. The Chevy Volt is available in two trim levels, with the LT being the less expensive of the two at $33,995 and the Premier coming in at $38,345. In comparison, the 2018 Toyota Prius Prime has three different trim levels: The Prime Plus at $27,985, the Prime Premium at $29,685, and the Prime Advanced at $33,985. If affordability is your main concern when it comes to buying a new hybrid, the Prius Prime is the best contender in this category by a significant margin.

Meeting Your Needs

Your final decision is going to be based on which car suits your needs the best. While both the 2018 Chevy Volt and the 2018 Toyota Prius Prime are top of their class for a reason, between the two there’s really only one best choice based on the factors we’ve examined here. The Prius Prime offers up the shortest charging times, as well as the best fuel economy. Add to that the fact that the Prius Prime costs considerably less than the Chevy Volt and you’ve got yourself a car that offers you the best features of the hybrid class for a price that no other car even comes close to.

At Westbury Toyota we’re more than happy to point people in the direction of the cars we think we’ll like, and that’s why when people come in looking for a new hybrid, we’re always ready to showcase the Prius Prime. The numbers and stats don’t lie – Toyota’s newest hybrid is the undisputed king of its class, so if you’re in the market for a hybrid, come on down and let us introduce you to the 2018 Prius Prime.